Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage Blanc Le Chavalier de Sterimberg 2015  £57.70

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage Blanc Le Chavalier de Sterimberg

Since the early 19th century, Paul Jaboulet Aine has been synonymous with quality wine in the Rhone. In 1834, Antoine Jaboulet (1807-1864) started working the land in this region, creating a lasting link between the Jaboulet name and the Rhone over the generations. This famous Rhone winery was bought by the Frey family in 2006. The Freys, owners of Chateau la Lagune in Bordeaux, saw the potential of the vineyards. They have brought renewed energy to this corner of France.

Why Chevalier de Sterimberg? The little chapel of Saint-Christophe is situated at the top of the hillside. It was built in 1235 by the knight Gaspard de Stérimberg after he gained the permission of the ‘White Queen of Castille’ to establish his hermitage on this hill after being injured during the Albigensian crusade of 1224.

The Sterimberg's Roussanne and Marsanne grapes are grown in clay-chalk and sandy, pebble soils on the hill of Hermitage's steep slopes, producing complex and elegant white wines. The average vine age is 35 years.

The grapes are harvested by hand into small, 20kg crates, then pressed straight away so as to minimise any risk of oxidation. The wines are then vinified traditionally in oak. Following malolactic fermentation, also in oak, the lees are regularly brought back into suspension through stirring over the 10 to the 12-month ageing process, providing the wines with elegant and complex aromas.

65% Marsanne/35% Roussanne.

Rich and complex, aromas of ripe pears, notes of pastry, honey and caramel, delicately woody. Full and warm, blending together great strength, finesse and elegance.